A policy to ensure that internally displaced persons, IDPs, are resettled back to their ancestral homes in a dignified way has been launched in Abuja by the Yobe State Government.
Yobe has now become the first state to launch a policy on internally displaced persons.
The policy is aimed at addressing the needs and challenges faced by the yet-to-be-remettled internally displaced persons as a result of protracted insurgency.
The policy was launched on Thursday by Governor Mai Mala Buni at a ceremony well attended by members of the diplomatic community, donor agencies, the World Bank and other development partners.
Buni, in a remark, said the state government took deliberate and calculated measures to come up with a policy document that is holistic, comprehensive and in compliance with international standards.
“This policy was a result of extensive consultations and collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders, including UN agencies, the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, local communities, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, international donor partners, and notably the displaced persons themselves and representatives of various communities.
“It embodies our collective determination to protect the rights and dignity of IDPs, offering them a pathway to regain their stability and rebuild their lives towards a durable solution,” he said.
According to him, by prioritising the holistic well-being of IDPs, the state aims to foster sustainable development and promote peace and stability within the state and across Nigeria.
“The policy is grounded in key principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. It outlines our strategic objectives in providing protection, ensuring access to essential services, and fostering sustainable solutions for displacement,” Buni added.